The measurement of protein synthesis for assessing proteostasis in studies of slowed aging

• Proteostasis is a dynamic process requiring appropriate methods for monitoring.
• Labeling with 2H2O can capture proteostatic mechanisms.
• The protein:DNA synthesis rate is indicative of proteostatic processes.
• Examining proteostatic processes is mechanistic for studies of slowed aging.

Slowing the aging process can reduce the risk for multiple chronic diseases simultaneously. It is increasingly recognized that maintaining protein homeostasis (or proteostasis) is important for slowing the aging process. Since proteostasis is a dynamic process, monitoring it is not a simple task and requires use of appropriate methods. This review will introduce methods to assess protein and DNA synthesis using deuterium oxide (D2O), and how protein and DNA synthesis outcomes provide insight into proteostatic mechanisms. Finally, we provide a discussion on how these assessments of protein and DNA synthesis are “mechanistic” investigations and provide an appropriate framework for the further development of slowed aging treatments.